A sailing recount
The song sung by Shane Barnard & Shane Everett, “when I think about the Lord” resonated with my heart when I thought about what God had done for, within, and through me in the past 3 months. It has been a while since I got off the ship, MV explorer, in which I spent 111 days with 465 students from all over the states. A chain of goodbyes at Fort Lauderdale’s gangway implied the end of an engaging, emotional, complicated, exciting Fall 2011 voyage…So many experiences, so many people, I do not have enough time for reflection, nor do I have enough words to delineate the bits and pieces of happenings and encounters.
Knowing the fact that a tight-knit community that was formed within the past 3 months would soon be dissolved, a surge of feelings and ruminations suddenly flooded my heart. Despite my constant denial, this awestruck semester was coming to an end finally and everyone needed to keep moving on. Tranquility descended my mind and my surrounding once again, awkwardly. it took me more than a week after the end of voyage to digest, to process, and to condense what I have experienced in this semester. There are definitely far more to be said, but I would only have time to scratch the surface of this voyage in this email. I could have written a book, but that would take forever!
Knowing the fact that a tight-knit community that was formed within the past 3 months would soon be dissolved, a surge of feelings and ruminations suddenly flooded my heart. Despite my constant denial, this awestruck semester was coming to an end finally and everyone needed to keep moving on. Tranquility descended my mind and my surrounding once again, awkwardly. it took me more than a week after the end of voyage to digest, to process, and to condense what I have experienced in this semester. There are definitely far more to be said, but I would only have time to scratch the surface of this voyage in this email. I could have written a book, but that would take forever!
Re-think life essentials: Reclaim a Personal Touch in a Digital World
Waking up at my friend’s timeshare in Fort Lauderdale, FL, without being disturbed by the voice (the universal announcement on the ship) has further confirmed me that I am back to the real world, where free internet access is available 24-7, fresh pizza is delivered to our apartment faster than the ambulances go to their rescues, and most importantly, there is no more rocking when I walk, shower, or sleep.
While scores complained about the limited access to internet, or to a variety of American TV shows and cell phone services on board, these oblivious disadvantages, however, created an environment that centered down-to-earth, real, face-to-face, and deep conversations, which could easily fall by the wayside in the 21st century digital world. This semester compelled me to re-think the essentials of life and the means of communication. Just like what the Basketball from Duke University has once said in CHBC interview, face-to-facecommunication is the way to develop a winning team, because people can look each other in the eye and, when you have that opportunity, always to tell each other the truth and, as a result, an element of trust is developed.
While scores complained about the limited access to internet, or to a variety of American TV shows and cell phone services on board, these oblivious disadvantages, however, created an environment that centered down-to-earth, real, face-to-face, and deep conversations, which could easily fall by the wayside in the 21st century digital world. This semester compelled me to re-think the essentials of life and the means of communication. Just like what the Basketball from Duke University has once said in CHBC interview, face-to-facecommunication is the way to develop a winning team, because people can look each other in the eye and, when you have that opportunity, always to tell each other the truth and, as a result, an element of trust is developed.
If I can only use a few sentences to conclude this semester, I would say, God sharpened my character by engaging me with a whole bunch of remarkable friends who genuinely reflected who I am, and by giving me a global and powerful experience. The Lord also took me to an intense understanding of the essence of human relationship with others, with nature, and with self. This semester also prompted me to seek after His heart diligently, and most importantly, ignites my desperation to do His will like never.
Stable Cell phone service, fast and unlimited internet access, are they really that important , or even necessary? Without having those services makes me to become more dependent on God. A temporary detachment from the people I am familiar with did not only motivate me to focus more on the present moment, but also the people who were physically present around me.
Stable Cell phone service, fast and unlimited internet access, are they really that important , or even necessary? Without having those services makes me to become more dependent on God. A temporary detachment from the people I am familiar with did not only motivate me to focus more on the present moment, but also the people who were physically present around me.
 Alumni Ball |  Costa Rica fun |  Second to the last port |  My surprise half birthday party |
I would whether to be in situations where I have nothing so I can depend more on God instead to be in situations where I have lots of things and think I don’t need God that much. Instantly I have more understanding of why God put us through difficult situations, and come to thank God for those moments because only through the instabilities and difficulties of life, one can see the necessity of prayers and dependence on Him alone, which, without one’s realization or not, turn out to be the vehicle for developing a deeper faith and the beginning of God’s blessings.
The nations
From the excitement of being in Montreal, to the assertiveness of Moroccan Taxi drivers, to the optimism of Ghanaian vendors, to the segregation of white and black South Africans, I was constantly enthralled by the various flavors and cultures in different countries.
From the diversity of Mauritian immigrants, the stunning discrepancy between the affluent and indigent Indians, to the brokenness of homeless people in Malaysia, I was captured by the need of this world.
From the Huzzle and buzzle of motorcycles in Vietnam, the overwhelming progression of China, the impeccably cleanliness of Japanese infrastructures, I was prompted to seek the destiny of Asia.
From the brief, rainy stay in Hawaii, the friendliness of Costa Ricans, the wonder of Panama Canal, to the invisible danger of Honduras, I searched deeper for the significance of this voyage. This semester, God has definitely exposed me to various cultures, peoples, and need of this world. After all, what do all these exposures mean to me?
From the diversity of Mauritian immigrants, the stunning discrepancy between the affluent and indigent Indians, to the brokenness of homeless people in Malaysia, I was captured by the need of this world.
From the Huzzle and buzzle of motorcycles in Vietnam, the overwhelming progression of China, the impeccably cleanliness of Japanese infrastructures, I was prompted to seek the destiny of Asia.
From the brief, rainy stay in Hawaii, the friendliness of Costa Ricans, the wonder of Panama Canal, to the invisible danger of Honduras, I searched deeper for the significance of this voyage. This semester, God has definitely exposed me to various cultures, peoples, and need of this world. After all, what do all these exposures mean to me?
 Attending an Indian Wedding- Rama's cousin's wedding |  riding motorbike with my Vietnamese friend, Ming |  Volunteering at KAWAN, a homeless shelter in Malaysia |  reaching out to workers in Ghana |
Brandon Heath’s song, “Give me your eyes” fits so well with how my heart feels after this semester.
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arm for the brokenhearted.
I still remember walking through a street in India where the kids went to school. Though they had nothing but I felt like they were so much richer than the people who lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. Their genuine smiles, loving kisses had done nothing to me but touched the bottom of my heart.
I also visited a rural village called Arpakkam village, the people who lived there did not speak a word of English but their friendliness and my openness had opened doors to communicate love. I did not know why, but I absolutely enjoyed talking to people who did not understand me verbally because it pushed me to communicate through different ways and humbled me tremendously. Truly, does verbal communication that important when it only composes of 30 % of how a person delivers a message? Being genuine, patient, and accepting are, undoubtedly, the foremost important element in displaying love and in establishing relationship.
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arm for the brokenhearted.
I still remember walking through a street in India where the kids went to school. Though they had nothing but I felt like they were so much richer than the people who lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. Their genuine smiles, loving kisses had done nothing to me but touched the bottom of my heart.
I also visited a rural village called Arpakkam village, the people who lived there did not speak a word of English but their friendliness and my openness had opened doors to communicate love. I did not know why, but I absolutely enjoyed talking to people who did not understand me verbally because it pushed me to communicate through different ways and humbled me tremendously. Truly, does verbal communication that important when it only composes of 30 % of how a person delivers a message? Being genuine, patient, and accepting are, undoubtedly, the foremost important element in displaying love and in establishing relationship.
A New sense of Identity? maybe not.. Back to Basic
From millions of different peoples in ports, to professors’ dependent children, lifelong learners, fellow classmates, the new people I met in this semester have allowed me to re-think my root, my identity, my culture, my unique self. While there are numerous things that could have changed how I view myself and my culture, I have started to realize that I can choose how to define myself, really. But there is absolutely nothing that stops me from being more, or less, merely the daughter of God.
Even though i am about to graduate, sometime i still get flustered about the reason why i could not get into some big name schools. Though i know that getting into ivy league school or not is no longer that important in my mind, once i am back to Asia, being a member of those big name schools again became more important than it should be. It's little thing like that makes me don't like about Asia. No matter how much i try to fix others' mentality, i really cannot change the mentality of the entire society. I think that It’s really not about going to Ivy League, big name schools, but it is really about acknowledging God’s designated ivy league path for oneself, discovering God's dream and passion for oneself.
Identity is a big topic that people my age always talk about. Nationality, ethnicity, age, etc, are the things that people start to realize more obviously, acknowledge more frequently when they go to college, go abroad, or simply just being away from home. Sometimes in some contexts, on some occasions, being a member of a particular ethnic group seems to have more benefits than that of the other. For just one simple example, Canadian passport holders do not need as many visas as Haiti passport holders to visit some countries. Is that unfair? Yes. But can anyone do anything about it? not really. My identity, no matter how I view it differently at different stages of life, after all, can never be changed. I am simply the daughter of God who needs guidance, wisdom, love, and forgiveness. Isn’t that simple, down-to-earth, and amazing? A phrase that has always been sticking in my head reminds me of how important it is to acknowledge this divine, gracious identity that goes beyond the positions that any society has inherently given power to.
I still remember when one of my friends came back from Dominican Republic mission trip, one message that stuck out to her was really powerful. That message was that no matter one is Haitian, American, British, Chinese, or Korean, all of us should strive toward becoming less of the culture that our race is associated with. Instead, all of us should press toward becoming the citizens of God who fall under the kingdom culture. Isn't that a great statement? i think it is.
Even though i am about to graduate, sometime i still get flustered about the reason why i could not get into some big name schools. Though i know that getting into ivy league school or not is no longer that important in my mind, once i am back to Asia, being a member of those big name schools again became more important than it should be. It's little thing like that makes me don't like about Asia. No matter how much i try to fix others' mentality, i really cannot change the mentality of the entire society. I think that It’s really not about going to Ivy League, big name schools, but it is really about acknowledging God’s designated ivy league path for oneself, discovering God's dream and passion for oneself.
Identity is a big topic that people my age always talk about. Nationality, ethnicity, age, etc, are the things that people start to realize more obviously, acknowledge more frequently when they go to college, go abroad, or simply just being away from home. Sometimes in some contexts, on some occasions, being a member of a particular ethnic group seems to have more benefits than that of the other. For just one simple example, Canadian passport holders do not need as many visas as Haiti passport holders to visit some countries. Is that unfair? Yes. But can anyone do anything about it? not really. My identity, no matter how I view it differently at different stages of life, after all, can never be changed. I am simply the daughter of God who needs guidance, wisdom, love, and forgiveness. Isn’t that simple, down-to-earth, and amazing? A phrase that has always been sticking in my head reminds me of how important it is to acknowledge this divine, gracious identity that goes beyond the positions that any society has inherently given power to.
I still remember when one of my friends came back from Dominican Republic mission trip, one message that stuck out to her was really powerful. That message was that no matter one is Haitian, American, British, Chinese, or Korean, all of us should strive toward becoming less of the culture that our race is associated with. Instead, all of us should press toward becoming the citizens of God who fall under the kingdom culture. Isn't that a great statement? i think it is.
Stay Focused, Seize the day, Stand my ground
Just like any normal college campuses, drinking culture, clubbing, sex, and parties are ubiquitous on the ship. Given the excited moods that lots bring along to this extraordinary semester, this kind of culture is even more outrageous. Instead of seeing this voyage an invaluable experience to enhance one’s knowledge of the world, many have used their time in port clubbing and partying, eventually leading to alcohol intoxication. To stay focused at academics on the ship was challenging, let alone concentrating on the word of God. To find people whose purpose was not to see the world as a playground was difficult, let alone seeking those who had a heart to serve and to reach out to the people in each country for His kingdom’s sake.
Truly, when people wants to follow hard after God, there would be lots of other things that derail them, or tempt them to sin, to the thinking that sinning is okay. The challenge is even more tedious when a solid community of faith is lacking to encourage one another to walk according to the will of Father. I realize more and more how important it is to have a community of faith.
The only way to stay pure-hearted in this perverted world is really… to pray. I asked God to guard my heart above everything else because I know that my heart is truly the wellspring of life that determines my small and big daily decision. I am so glad that God provided me just enough grace that encourages me to follow His word throughout the voyage. I was able to do devotion and bible study with a girl named Aubree, who was also relentless to live a comfortable Christian life, We pushed each other along the voyage to be the best of who we can be in Christ. We promised each other to finish studying the book of Zechariah before the end of voyage. It was not easy to read Zechariah, sparing an hour a day to dig into the mystery of God was hard especially when bible study seems to be the most boring thing to do on the ship in other people’s eyes. As hard as it was in devouring a prophet book, I felt like I have learned so much in the process as much as I learn from the content of Zechariah. God’s faithfulness was displayed in Zechariah and also in my life. Truly, following Christ always requires perserverance in order to live out the principle of God, trusting the eternal reward that is yet invisible.
I don’t know since when, I am always so aware of the coming of the Lord that we, as Christian, should always stay alert because it is said in the bible that the day when the Lord comes is like a theft. No one knows when He is coming. I know that God is always faithful, but I think we also have to be faithful to God in order to live a life that is worthy of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The lifestyle that aligns God’s will is nothing but expressing one’s identity in God, displaying submission to God and manifesting love for God.
It is about the people
chilling with some Japanese girls in Kobe downtown.
While many of my previous trips before this voyage had always been focusing on the sightseeing, “must-see” sites of a country, half way through the voyage, I have come to a realization that it is really not about the awesome construction from civilization, whether it is the Great Wall of China, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, or shopping arcades in Tokyo. Instead, it is about the people whom I met in each port that left an irreplaceable memory in my heart. This voyage has transformed my perspective on tourism and travelling, it is no longer about the cool things that I did, the awesome pictures that I took, and then showing them off on facebook. Instead, it is about the mirrored reflection of me through all the relationships I have with others, the stimulation from being in a certain city, and seeing God’s heart for His people.
After three-months of intense travelling, I discover that all the beaches around the world are more or less the same. Shopping? I love it but only when I have money. It is, indeed, the people that keeps a city vibrant and unique. No wonder God pursues nothing but human hearts.
After three-months of intense travelling, I discover that all the beaches around the world are more or less the same. Shopping? I love it but only when I have money. It is, indeed, the people that keeps a city vibrant and unique. No wonder God pursues nothing but human hearts.
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Door Shut, Window opened... getting ready for the Middle East
It is much of a surprise to me as it is to you. God has been really crazy since He did not only lead me to circumnavigate around the globe this past three months, showing me the amazing creation of His hands, but also revealing me the next stage of my college career, the next phase of my life, and my next journey with Him.
Ever since I went to college, I acknowledged that I knew little about Middle East. However, given the fact that the news regarding the Middle East always dominates the front page, if not with the biggest headings, I, on many occasions, feel obligated to be more informed about the happenings in Middle East. So starting from last summer, I started to do something about my meager knowledge of the Middle East. Not only did I force myself to read more news concerning the Middle East, I also made a profile for each country that is regarded as a part of Middle East, hoping that the political, religious, and economic background I gathered would allow me to understand more the complex relationship, hatred among the Middle Eastern nations. However, I have never ever thought that I would one day be going to one of these Middle Eastern countries all by myself (Well, at least when I am in college!).
But God’s plan is just like that, it comes and surprises people. It is so interesting to see how God would shut the door and use peace to lead His people. I applied to two exchange/ internship programs last summer to do my last semester since I only have 9 credits left to graduate after finishing fall semester. The two programs that i applied to are in Denmark and Israel respectively. While my school official told me that almost one hundred percent people would be accepted to the program in Denmark, I got rejected by the program directly from the official who works in Aarhus University, Denmark. The reason why they rejected me was even more ridiculous. They rejected me because I accidentally enrolled in courses that could only be taken as a master student.
On the other hand, the program in Israel was not very popular exchange destination owing to the travel warnings in the Middle East. Therefore, there were very few students who have applied to that program. But Surprisingly, I got accepted to University of Haifa, Israel and will intern with one of the companies in Haifa.
Ever since I went to college, I acknowledged that I knew little about Middle East. However, given the fact that the news regarding the Middle East always dominates the front page, if not with the biggest headings, I, on many occasions, feel obligated to be more informed about the happenings in Middle East. So starting from last summer, I started to do something about my meager knowledge of the Middle East. Not only did I force myself to read more news concerning the Middle East, I also made a profile for each country that is regarded as a part of Middle East, hoping that the political, religious, and economic background I gathered would allow me to understand more the complex relationship, hatred among the Middle Eastern nations. However, I have never ever thought that I would one day be going to one of these Middle Eastern countries all by myself (Well, at least when I am in college!).
But God’s plan is just like that, it comes and surprises people. It is so interesting to see how God would shut the door and use peace to lead His people. I applied to two exchange/ internship programs last summer to do my last semester since I only have 9 credits left to graduate after finishing fall semester. The two programs that i applied to are in Denmark and Israel respectively. While my school official told me that almost one hundred percent people would be accepted to the program in Denmark, I got rejected by the program directly from the official who works in Aarhus University, Denmark. The reason why they rejected me was even more ridiculous. They rejected me because I accidentally enrolled in courses that could only be taken as a master student.
On the other hand, the program in Israel was not very popular exchange destination owing to the travel warnings in the Middle East. Therefore, there were very few students who have applied to that program. But Surprisingly, I got accepted to University of Haifa, Israel and will intern with one of the companies in Haifa.
Trust, Leap... Just Do it
At first, I really did not know how I should feel about this acceptance letter. Some people on the ship were thrilled for me. Some who have been to Israel have discouraged me from going due to political instability, while some have encouraged me to go, saying that it should be a fabulous experience. But no matter what others are talking me into, I have decided to go long time already, having great confidence that the Lord will go before me, trusting that He will protect me and guide me through. Following God’s leading is exciting but it always requires a leap of faith, just like skydiving. Sometimes you just cannot think too much, but just do it. ( i did skydiving , yea, i did:) see below video.
In search for a messianic sense of purpose
Before this voyage started i prayed to God that God would open my eyes to see the things He wanted me to see. So in the voyage, I got a chance to visit Penang House of Prayer and KAWAN, an organization branched out in YWAM malaysia, i was also able to visit a church that was started by someone in YWAM Hawaii. Then i also had a friend who met her friend at Kona, Hawaii, who was studying at the University of Nations. My friend, Aubree, one of the few christian friends i had on the ship told me zillion times stuff related to YWAM. And the most crazy thing was that YWAM DTS registrar staff, Alexandria emailed me on one of the most random days regarding my interest in joining DTS.
I think it would be so cool to live for something so much bigger than myself, achieving something more eternal and significant in this generation. I am pondering about doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Mendoza, Argentina after graduating from college, which is in Aug 2012. However, while i have such a heart to go into mission or ministry, yet i do not know where or how to start. Plus the fact that i move around so much that I do not have a church that I feel i am strongly connected to. Therefore, i am currently praying that God will reveal His direction to me regarding my path after graduating.
So anyone of you who are reading this, i sincerely ask you to pray with and for me that God will show Himself soo soo strong and faithful as i take this leap to go to Israel, as well as my direction after graduation. It is a great delight to share my life with you!! Happy New Year and have a super blessed 2012!
I think it would be so cool to live for something so much bigger than myself, achieving something more eternal and significant in this generation. I am pondering about doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Mendoza, Argentina after graduating from college, which is in Aug 2012. However, while i have such a heart to go into mission or ministry, yet i do not know where or how to start. Plus the fact that i move around so much that I do not have a church that I feel i am strongly connected to. Therefore, i am currently praying that God will reveal His direction to me regarding my path after graduating.
So anyone of you who are reading this, i sincerely ask you to pray with and for me that God will show Himself soo soo strong and faithful as i take this leap to go to Israel, as well as my direction after graduation. It is a great delight to share my life with you!! Happy New Year and have a super blessed 2012!
